Berino dominates Malaysian swim

MANILA, Philippines - Gian Berino of the Philippine Swimming League and Diliman Preparatory School reached another plateau in his young career by winning five gold medals and the most valuable swimmer award in the Sendakan age group swim meet in Malaysia yesterday.

Berino, a Palarong Pambansa standout coached by Joey Andaya, took the gold in the 100m freestyle, butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke and the 50m backstroke in the competition participated in by teams from Brunei, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and other local teams from Malaysia.

Berino will be leaving for the US to study and train for the SEA Games and the 2012 Olympics.

The PSL, under founder and president Susan Papa, and the DPS Swimming Center under DPS president and CEO, former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, sent Berino upon invitation of the Malaysian organizers who, this time, ignored threats of suspension from the Philippine Amateur Swimming Association.

Another Malaysia organizer, from Sabah, last year prevented the participation of Filipino swimmers who had already arrived in Sabah, following similar threats from PASA.

Berino also won silver medals in the 50m breaststroke and butterfly and bronze in the 50m butterfly.

His participation was sponsored by San Carlos City Mayor Julier “Ayoy” Resuello and Pangasinan Gov. Amado Espino.